Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What gov.uk asks for instead of an English test
The Graduate visa page says you can apply if you are in the UK, your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, you studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period on that visa, and your education provider has told the Home Office you successfully completed the course.
The full guide lists two documents: a valid passport or travel document, and the CAS reference number from your Student visa application. The only mention of English is that documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation. Your English was assessed when you got your Student visa; see IELTS for the UK Student visa.
How long the visa lasts and what it costs
Figures from the gov.uk Graduate visa page.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Graduate visa page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
| Item | Gov.uk figure |
|---|---|
| Length if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 | 2 years |
| Length if you apply on or after 1 January 2027 | 18 months |
| Length with a PhD or other doctoral qualification | 3 years |
| Application fee | £937 |
| Healthcare surcharge | Usually £1,035 for each year |
| Usual decision time | Within 8 weeks |
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
When English comes back into play
You cannot extend a Graduate visa. Gov.uk says you may be able to switch to another visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa, and that route has its own English requirement: see IELTS for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
If you work in health or adult social care, gov.uk points you to the Health and Care Worker visa, which also has an English requirement (gov.uk).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a SELT for the Graduate visa?+
No. Neither the eligibility nor the documents section of the gov.uk Graduate visa guide asks for a SELT or any other English test.
Can I apply for the Graduate visa from outside the UK?+
No. Gov.uk says you must be in the UK when you apply, and you must apply before your Student visa expires.
Do I need to wait for my graduation certificate?+
No. You can apply once your education provider has told the Home Office you successfully completed the course; you do not have to wait until you have graduated or have a certificate.
Can my partner join me on a Graduate visa?+
Gov.uk says your partner and children can continue living in the UK with you if they are eligible. Check the 'Your partner and children' section of the gov.uk guide.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the UK Student visa
- IELTS for the UK Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa English level
- IELTS for the UK: scores by route
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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